The Sceptics
- It isn't clear if human-induced global warming is causing climate change. It could be linked to cosmic influences.
- Models being used aren't sophisticated enough to make accurate forecasts.
- Solar activity, volcanic activity and cloud cover may be countering the effects of global warming.
- Attempting to reverse global warming a cost of $5 trillion is a poor use of resources. Danish expert Bjorn Lomborg says the money could be used more beneficially to fund health, education, water projects in the developing world.
The Believers
- There is ample data and observation to show human influences contribute significantly to global warming.
- Anand Patwardhan says: "Sceptics are on a slightly stronger ground (on models not being accurate) as experiments are subject to error and bias."
- Lomborg is heard widely by planners, scientists as he is an independent voice. But other sceptics have been discredited, mostly due to their links to oil companies.
- The prescription for India unfortunately does not change. Even sceptics agree that we will be hit the hardest.
